Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction

Adopted by the Council of Ministers on 6 October 2015, the Multiannual Development Cooperation Programme for 2016-2020 sets strategic objectives and directions of Polish development cooperation in the middle term. In line with the principle of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of development cooperation, the Programme outlines the areas targeted by Poland’s development cooperation, providing for a more concentrated approach in terms of geography. Priority partner countries now include current beneficiaries from West Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Senegal has for the first time becomea priority country of Polish development cooperation.

Partner countries have been selected according to the applicable OECD DAC classification. Ethiopia, Senegal and Tanzania are among the least developed countries (LDCs), while Kenya is ranked within the group of other low-income countries.

Observing the principle of policy coherence for development and addressing the need to ensure the compatibility of domestic policy goals with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Programme establishes the areas of development assistance activity. In all Sub-Saharan African countries, Poland’s development cooperation will focus on supporting the following three thematic areas:

Human capital – in particular improving healthcare quality; inclusive education and universal access to quality education; civic education; social integration of people from groups at risk of exclusion.

Entrepreneurship and the private sector – in particular competitive and innovative micro and small enterprises; social economy; entrepreneurship, especially among women and young people; education and vocational training.

Actions in 2016

In 2016, 15 projects addressed to the four priority countries in Africa received a total of PLN 9,038,295 of co-financing. All proposals selected in the competition will be implemented by non-governmental organisations, e.g. the Polish Centre for International Aid Foundation (three projects), the Cultures of the World Foundation (two projects), and the Polish Medical Mission Association (two projects). Two projects with PLN 2,251,377 worth of co-financing involve Ethiopia, with one of them also covering Kenya. PLN 2,594,498 has been secured for implementing four projects in Kenya, while Tanzania will be the recipient of six projects with a total co-financing value of PLN 3,156,823. Co-financing of PLN 1,035,597 was furthermore made available for three projects in Senegal.

Actions in 2015

In 2015, 12 projects were implemented in four East African countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Project activities addressed three priority areas: Environmental Protection, Education, Employment and Social Activation, and Health Care.

The Environmental Protection priority included two projects. One of them consisted in providing training for, and upgrading the equipment of, selected fire brigades in Kenya and Ethiopia, in order to increase their abilities to tackle emergencies and the effects of natural disasters. Project activities featured specialist training in water rescue and evacuating people from tall and collapsed buildings, as well as upgrading the equipment of fire brigades (rope and water rescue equipment).

Six projects were implemented under the Education and Employment and Social Activation priority area. One of the projects involved vocational training and entrepreneurship support among the most disadvantaged groups in Bwaise, Kampala’s biggest slum. The implemented measures consisted in organising vocational courses at the Bwaise Youth Employment Centre, apprenticeships, and training in entrepreneurship and managing mini-businesses, offered to selected graduates in BYEC courses.

Four projects were carried out under the Health Care priority, among them one that involved increasing the number of drinking water intakes in the Nakasongola district in central Uganda. Project activities consisted in upgrading India Mark II pumps at several dozen deep-water wells throughout the region.

Actions in 2014

In 2014, projects under Polish development cooperation were addressed to six countries of East Africa: Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. Assistance focused on two areas: Education, Employment and Social Activation, and Health Care.

The Education and Employment and Social Activation priority saw the implementation of nine projects. A two-year project to support local teachers’ associations in Burundi could be a good case in point. Project activities involved the construction of education centres for two local associations and providing them with teaching materials and IT equipment with an internet connection.

The Health Care priority comprised three projects. One of them was a modular project to improve the efficiency of diagnosing and treating the most common chirurgical and infectious conditions, carried out in a hospital in the village of Kakooge, Uganda. Project activities included the refurbishment of a surgery room and fitting it with necessary equipment as well as conducting medical training for the local staff.

Actions in 2013

In 2013, Polish nongovernmental organizations are carrying out 13 development projects in Africa. The aid is directed at Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. The total aid value equals PLN 5 649 034. In addition, 10 projects in the framework of the Small Grants System with the total value of PLN 485 597 are carried out in the region, as well as 6 volunteering projects, which received a grant amounting to PLN 255 504(see full list).

In 2013, Polish assistance activity for Eastern Africa focused on the following priorities:

Education, occupational and social development (6 projects – PLN 2 786 701)The activities serve the equalization of educational chances and ensuring better access to education through teacher training and the popularisation of activating teaching methods. At the same time, investments in school infrastructure are carried out. In addition, the activities undertaken serve the strengthening of initiatives and civil societies organizations, as well as the strengthening of the economic and social potential of disadvantaged groups.

Environmental protection (1 project – PLN 548 399)The project activities aim at strengthening the state and local communities in coping with natural disasters and negative consequences of climate change.